Stramaccioni: Italy play away in the play-off final and don’t want to play in Cardiff City

In the World Cup qualifying play-offs, Italy must first pass Northern Ireland, and then defeat the winner between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Wales to advance to the main draw. Regarding Italy's prospects of qualifying for the World Cup and related topics, Italian football star Stramaccioni expressed his views.

About the current situation in Italy

The Italian team can beat any opponent, but it will also concede goals at any time. The result of the draw? They are not very lucky...

We have to fight for qualification on the road. Northern Ireland is our opponent. Although it seems to be within our capabilities, their five-back system and dense defense make them difficult to overcome. Germany and Slovakia both only won 1-0 away from home.

Regarding whether to play Bosnia and Herzegovina or Wales in the play-off final

We have to play well one game at a time, and now we will consider Northern Ireland first. If we meet Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have to respect the opponent, but in the final play-offs, I would prefer to avoid playing in Cardiff because the atmosphere there can be very heated. Bellamy's Wales form has been outstanding since September.

About the potential of this Italian national team

I believe in our players and their quality, but we are a national team that lacks stability. We performed very well against France, Belgium and part of the time against Germany, but we could be scored against at any time by any opponent and that would be detrimental to the confidence of the team.

About Zaniolo

Udinese is the best place for Zaniolo to start over. He has scored three goals in seven starts, which proves that he has made a good start.

Regarding whether Italy is suitable for 3-5-2 or 4-4-2

both formations are acceptable. So far, the best performance of this group of players in these two formations is 3-5-2, and this also includes Spalletti's period.

Regarding which players are the core of the team

First is Donnarumma, then Di Lorenzo, Inter Milan's Barrera, Bastoni, Dimarco, as well as Locatelli and Mancini. They will be the heart of the team and a barometer of our intensity level.